F1: I’ve Got To Win With McLaren, Says Perez

Formula 1

F1: I’ve Got To Win With McLaren, Says Perez

Sergio Perez knows he will be expected to perform at the highest level at McLaren next year...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted October 04, 2012 Suzuka (JPN)

Sergio Perez stands by on Thursday at Suzuka Circuit in Japan. (Photo: Getty Images)

Sergio Perez says he has to aim to win races and the World Championship from the start of his career with McLaren.

“Of course, I think with McLaren there is no other option,” the Mexican said Thursday. “You have to win every race, you have a car that you can win every race. It's a guarantee. McLaren is always a guarantee, so I have to work very hard. I have to give everything to my team, and I'm ready to do that, once I have finished this season.”

He conceded that it won’t be easy to replace Lewis Hamilton.

“I rate Lewis as one of the fastest drivers on the grid, so it won't be easy at all,” Perez said. “I know I have very big shoes to fill, so it will be difficult but I will give everything I can, I will work as hard as possible to give the best result and to win championships with this great team.”

Regarding new teammate Jenson Button, he said: “He's a World Champion, and it will be a pleasure to work with him together, to reach the same target for the team which is winning, and make the best car possible, so I'm looking forward to working together with the whole team and so motivated, enthusiastic to start working with my new team. But first, as I say, I want to finish the next six races on a very high for my team, and give everything I can for my team that gave me the opportunity to become a Formula One driver.”

Perez also insisted that he’d never come close to getting a Ferrari seat.

“Yeah, we were talking to them but it was never an option,” he said. “I’ve been talking with them because I was part of the academy. I have a good contact with them and good communication, but obviously the place I got is the best place I can be and I’m so, so happy and thankful also for them because, at the time, they helped me a lot to come into Formula One, but now I’m moving forward and I want to thank McLaren for taking me on board and trusting in me.”

Pressed on the Ferrari question, he said: “I think they are happy with Felipe (Massa). He's a very good driver, a proven driver, as well. I'm not a proven driver, I'm not a guarantee as Felipe is, so probably that's why I was never an option for them. The opportunity for me never came, so I never saw them as an option for me.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.